The Blazers could also decide to let Billups walk and hire a new coach. But that would disrupt the continuity built to this point. If the Blazers were going to make such a decision, it would have been more logical to do so last offseason, rather than entrust Billups to develop the team for another coach to take over.

Despite a strong start and a solid night from Anfernee Simons, Portland’s late-game struggles proved costly as their push for the play-in tournament took a hit.